Public Health Careers podcast episode with Breanca Merritt, PhD, MA
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She is a research-based storyteller who thinks social problems are complex and that community members know more about their experiences than we do. Her professional goal is to meaningfully engage residents, policymakers, and local leaders in timely, evidence-informed policy decisions to help inform her work.

She conferred a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism at University of Oklahoma. A Master of Arts in Political Science in Public Policy and Public Administration at Texas A&M University. Then a PhD in Health Promotion Sciences at University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

In today’s episode you’ll hear and learn more about
1. Journey to public policy and becoming director of policy at trust for America’s health
2. Transforming from uplifting voices through journalism to using stories to inform public policy work
3. The importance of education policy and how this intersects with health systems and social determinants of health

And much much more!

Chapters:
@0:00 Trailer
@3:27 How do you identify & tell us a little about your personal background?
@9:35 Intersection of public policy and health disparities?
@11:44 Importance of having community and data informed research for decision making
@13:43 What does public health mean to you?
@15:30 Bachelor of Arts in Journalism at University of Oklahoma
@19:52 Undergrad takeaway(s)
@21:28 Master of Arts in Political Science and Government, Public Policy and Public Administration at Texas A&M
@27:30 Roles during Master’s Program
@31:11 PhD in Health Promotion Sciences at University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
@36:44 Indiana University Public Policy Institute
@42:24 Chief Health Equity and ADA Officer at Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
@44:53 Adjunct Professor and Community Scholar at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
@49:03 Director of Policy at Trust for America’s Health
@58:09 Where can people connect with you and where would you like to see yourself in the future?
@59:41 Do you feel stifled in direct services in your career?
@1:02:13 Reflection about journalism being the beginning of your journey
@1:04:27 The Furious Five

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